(Santiago, Chile) Mark Lopes, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean met today with the Chilean International Development Agency (AgCI). The talks were aimed at implementing the recently-signed Memorandum of Understanding to advance trilateral cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean.

"For USAID to work closely with AgCI is a no-brainer," Lopes said. "Chilean officials bring top-notch expertise and have been doing work in a trilateral way longer than we have. Today's meeting was a great way to follow-up on President Obama's trip to the region and for USAID to continue to work in partnership with other donors in the region."

USAID and AgCI are working as partners to strengthen the Government of Paraguay's capacity in customs administration, export promotion and support to farmers. In coming months, the agencies will also begin joint agricultural development programs in El Salvador and Guatemala.

Lopes is in Santiago for the Third Session of the Chile-US Executive Trilateral Cooperation Committee.